Card having a flexible, dynamically changeable display, a set of such cards and related system and method

ABSTRACT

A dynamically changeable, flexible card is set forth such as a playing card or a set of playing cards. The cards have one or more flexible displays controlled by a controller to change the display(s). The controller may interface with a wireless communication device to control the displays For card games, the electronic display can be changed so that only several such cards need be used to play the game. The face value content of the display can be changed by contact or wirelessly.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

These disclosed embodiments pertain generally to the use of smalldisplays, including flexible displays, and miniaturized computercomponents to create dynamic playing cards, called Dynamic Playing Cards(DPC).

2. Description of the Related Art

Modern Card games have been a staple of game play, gambling inparticular, as possibly as early as 1000 years ago in China. Over thecenturies, several physical innovations have been incorporated to bringus the features of a standard deck of cards we have today, some of whichinclude manufacturing materials and processes, rounded corners, suitsand face values, and card value in the corners for easy viewing.

A typical playing card consists of a “face” side and “back” side. Theface Side identifies the card and thus distinguishes each card fromanother. The backs of all the cards in a deck are identical so that theidentity of the card can be concealed by anyone viewing the back of thecard.

Typically the face value of a card is defined by a rank and a suit.Different cultures use different suits and ranks. For example, theAnglo-American-French playing deck usually consists of four suitsHearts, Diamonds, Spades, and Clubs and ranks 2-10 and Jack, Queen,King, and Ace. Many Central European cultures play with suits Hearts,Bells, Leaves, and Acorns and ranks VII, VIII, IX, X, Under, Over, Kingand Ace. The Swiss often play with a deck consisting of Roses, Bells,Acorns, and Shields and ranks 6 to 10, jacks, queens, kings and aces. Asone can image, the possibilities for suits and ranks are limitless. Theset of all unique playing cards is a deck of cards. In most cases eachcard is unique, but some decks of playing cards allow duplicaterank/suit pairs (e.g. game of Uno). Some games use multiple decks. Insuch games there are duplicate rank/suit pairs.

Playing cards have been used in a variety of venues. The most common aregame playing (many of which incorporate a wagering component), magictricks, fortune telling, board games, encryption, toy buildingcomponents (e.g. house of cards), educational tools, and many otherentertainment purposes.

Another auxiliary use of playing cards has been advertising or providingsecondary entertainment value. Traditionally, this has been done by 1)utilizing the space on the backs of cards to advertise one or moreproducts (e.g. branded cards), 2) having a customized face design forspecial cards or rank/suite pairs like the jokers or Ace of Spades thatpromote or highlight one or more the products, or 3) designing customdesigns for each card which promotes or highlights one or more products(e.g. women, high value Iraqi targets, etc). Sports or otherentertainment activities have also generated cards for collection whichinclude on one side a picture of a Baseball player on one side and hisstatistics on the other.

Although there are a variety of techniques and materials used, thetraditional playing card involves printing on a plastic, card board, orotherwise flexible material. As a result, the playing card, onceprinted, is static and forever defined. Moreover, the card has nointelligence and therefore cannot interact with the player, surroundingcards, or any other aspect of its environment.

Since all cards are included in a deck and also since the rank/suit ofeach card does not change; randomization of the sequence of cards isaccomplished by shuffling the deck. Shuffling may be done manually byhand or through the use of a shuffling machine. Shuffling can consumemore than an insignificant amount of time. There are numerous situationswhere this time is at best inconvenient (e.g. playing games at home) orat worst costly (e.g. casino where time spent shuffling could be usedhaving the players wager). In cases where shuffling has beenmechanically automated, there is a cost associated with the automatedshuffling device.

Finally, in order to include all playing cards in a deck; the entiredeck must be printed. For example, to include all 52 cards (e.g. from astandard Anglo-American-French deck) in a game (e.g. Poker), even thoughonly a maximum of 19 cards (6 players×2 cards+5 common cards+2 burnedcards) are ever in play. For games that employ more than one deck, theinefficiency is multiplied.

In prior art, tracking card play in a casino environment has beenachieved by the use of cameras, bar code or other types of opticalscanners, RFID tags combined with some recognizable printing orcomponent on a physical card, such as an optically identifiable patternor image that is indistinguishable to the naked eye (e.g. bar code) orRFID tag, or through optical character recognition read by cameraseither below the table, in the table, over the table, or in the cardshoe or chute that is read is the dealer pulls a card to deal. Except ingames where card position is non-discretionary, knowing which cards aplayer has had been challenging.

A need arises to provide a dynamic, visually alterable, smart card thatmaintain as many of the physical features as possible of traditionalcards that players enjoy.

A need arises for a general purpose playing card that can change thesuit, rank, and/or number of cards in a deck based on which game orother purpose the deck is being used for.

A need arises to minimize the inefficient use of physical cards requiredfor a game, requiring only a card for the maximum number of physicalcards in play rather than physical card for every possible card face.

A need arises to not incur the hard or soft expense of shuffling cards.

A need arises to increase the auxiliary advertising or secondaryentertainment on the back of cards by having the back be dynamic so thatit cannot be used by a player to physically identify the face.

A need arises to have a physical card to be aware of and interact withits environment, including the player, other cards, or otherparticipants in the game.

A need arises for a physical card to identify or authenticate the personholding the card.

A need arises to record which cards were dealt to, selected by, and/orplayed by a player. A need also arises to record which cards werehandled by anyone, including a dealer, another player, or someone else.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dynamic Playing Card and the system and method of integrating it intoa game, with or without wagering, are disclosed.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a dynamic playing card (DPC)consists of two displays, back to back, representing a face and back, ora single display representing a face with a static back, shaped andsized and forming the appearance of a traditional physical playing card.The DPC includes, but is not limited to, a video display processor, acentral logic processor, a power store, power receiver or generator, anda physical contact component for power store replenishment and/orcommunication, all miniaturized to fit into the dynamic playing cardwith the goal of not significantly modifying the look and feel of theDPC from that of a traditional playing card. The DPC is able to changethe face value displayed, and possibly its back appearance, assuming aback display. Game play can remain the same or it can be streamlined bytime saving modifications such as not having to physically shuffle thecards or even deal cards. The physical DPC's can be assigned to playersand held continuously during the gaming session and the faces changed asneeded. Moreover, the DPC can visually communicate to the player toprovide game hints, help, advertisements, bonus games, or otherentertainment or informational messages. Where the back of the card isdynamic, the DPC can display various, possibly unrelated, images andmessages without compromising the integrity of the DPC, or give away itsface value.

Other aspects of this invention may include one or more of thefollowing: a touch detection layer (i.e. touch screen) on one or bothsides of the playing card and a touch controller processor, a wirelesscommunication component, a proximity component, gyroscope or othermotion detector, or location detecting device, all miniaturized to fitinto the dynamic playing card with the goal of not significantlymodifying the look and feel of the DPC from that of a traditionalplaying card. Through the wireless or contact communicationcomponent(s), the DPC communicates with a central game control systemand is aware of and can collaborate with nearby cards, for example,those also held or assigned to a certain player. Further embodimentsdisclose the DPC being aware of surrounding players as well. The touchdetector can detect single or multiple touches on one or both sides ofthe cards, allowing a person to physically interact with the DPC and insome case the DPC to read one or more finger prints of the holder forthe purpose of identification or authentication. The gyroscope candetermine when the DPC is in motion, possibly using the motion to seed arandom number generator. The location detection enables the DPC to knowits location. Through the wireless communication component, the DPC maycommunicate location data, motion data, player data, playerinteractions, and/or computations based on the aforementioned data tothe central system, other DPC's, or other devices.

Other features and numerous advantages of the various embodiments willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the corresponding drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an embodiment of a dynamic playing card.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross section of a dynamic playing card (DPC).

FIG. 2 is a high-level diagram of the core electronic processing andlogic components of a dynamic playing card.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side view and front prospective view of a cardshoe modified to accommodate a deck of dynamic playing cards andcommunicate through the use of a metal contact place.

FIG. 4 is an exemplar depiction of front and back display graphics.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary system architecture.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of DPC's coordinating to create a larger virtualdisplay

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing one embodiment of the process of a DPCManager initiating management control of a DPC, transferring from anexisting manager if necessary.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of several examples of DPC's providing helpful gamerelated information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example DPC's automatically sorting a player'shand

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a bonus feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention incorporates a broad definition of a playing card andcard game, as it is played with a deck of playing cards. Variousembodiments are directed to traditional wagering card games, but to oneskilled in the arts, it is easy to extrapolate these embodiments toother non-wagering card games.

The embodiments are illustrated and described herein, by way of exampleonly, and not by way of limitation. Referring now to the drawings, thereare shown illustrative examples of dynamic playing card or referred tohereafter as a DPC 10 for use in a casino or other wagering venue suchas a keno, bingo, or poker parlor (including amusement for prizes).

Turning to the drawings there is shown a diagram of an embodiment of atwo-sided dynamic player card (DPC) 10 according to the presentinvention. In it, the DPC 10 consists of two dynamic displays; the cardface or front display 12, and the card back or back display 14manufactured back-to-back so that the displays create each side of theDPC 10. In an alternative embodiment, the back display 14 is replacedwith a static representation of the back of a playing card such as aprinted velum, plastic, paper layer or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 may have more than two displaysarranged side by side at one or both of the front and back displays 12,14, and/or back-to-back to create a flat playing card. In this case, thedisplays constructing the front display 12 of the DPC 10 can beconsidered as a single front display for the purpose of this disclosureand is within the scope of this invention. Likewise, the display(s)constructing the back display 14 of the DPC 10 can be considered as asingle back display for the purpose of this disclosure and is within thescope of this invention. In another embodiment, the multiple displaysare assembled to create a three dimensional object, such as, but notlimited to, a cube or pyramid. As herein described the DPC may have morethan two touch screens 16 a, 16 b associated with the front and/or backdisplays 12, 14 to accept a user's touch as input as is known in theart.

In the preferred embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a core18 defines the main electrical, processing, and logic components for theDPC 10. In one non-limiting example, the core 18 is a flexible printedcircuit board. FIG. 2 is a high level schematic diagram that portraysthe preferred embodiment where core 18 contains one or more mainprocessors 200, one or more video controllers 202, random access memory204, and non-volatile random access memory 206, all miniaturized to fitinto the DPC 10 with the goal of not significantly modifying the lookand feel of the DPC 10 from that of a traditional playing card.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 is secured through a tamper detectiondevice. In another embodiment, the tamper detection disables the DPC 10when a physical security breach is detected.

Processing and Core Platform

In one embodiment, the platform is a Picotux 100 or similar platformutilizing a 32-bit ARM 7 Netsilicon processor 200, modified to drive thefront and back displays 12, 14, receive input from one or more touchscreen microcontrollers 208, interfaced to a wireless module rather thanan RJ45 connector, and mounted on a flexible printed circuit board(PCB). It has 2 MB of flash, non-volatile RAM 206. In an alternativeembodiment, the platform is built around the PIC32MX family ofmicrocontrollers from Microchip. One skilled in the art will easilyrecognize the actual processor selection is arbitrary and theincorporation of any other processor, including multi-core processors,for controlling a DPC 10 is within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the central processing unit 200 reads aprogram out of RAM 204 and/or NV RAM 206. In one embodiment, the programconsists of processor-ready instructions and the processor 200 is ableto execute them as-is. In another embodiment, the processor 200 mustcompile or translate the instructions into processor-ready instructionsbefore executing them. A non-limiting example is a Java program that theprocessor 200 must compile or translate into processor-readyinstructions. In one embodiment, there are multiple programs runningsimultaneously on a single DPC 10. The programs that are primaryexecutors of higher level DPC 10 behavior, display, and communicationlogic can be called applications.

In the preferred embodiment, there is a program, called an OperatingSystem that instructs the processor 200 on how to access RAM 204 andother connected components. Part of its responsibility is to read theapplications and manage their execution. This is similar to othercomputer system operating systems, such as the Microsoft Windows familyof OS's, Apple's OSX, the Linux flavors, QNX, etc. These are herebyincorporated as non-limiting examples of possible operating systemsimplemented on a DPC 10. In another non-limiting embodiment, theoperating system is the TinyOS developed at UC Berkley for use indevices that are severely resource constrained.

In one embodiment, the program code, including but not limited tooperating system and application programs, is stored in nonvolatile RAM206. In an alternative embodiment, the programs are stored on a readonly medium (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the programs arestored outside the DPC 10 and are loaded through one or morecommunication mediums existing in the DPC 10. In an alternativeembodiment, different programs or portions of the same program arestored and loaded from a plurality of sources.

In one embodiment, the program and or data are secured. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the program and/or data are secured through theuse of a signature. A signature is calculated for the program or datafile and stored either with the file or separately somewhere elseaccessible to the processor. When the processor 200 loads the program itcalculates the signature and compares it to the previously calculatedsignature. Non-limiting examples of signature algorithms are Secure HashAlgorithm family of algorithms (e.g. SHA-1, SHA-2, etc) and MessageDigest algorithms (e.g. MD5).

In the preferred embodiment, the front and back displays 12, 14 areconnected to the core 18 housing the processor 200 and a videocontroller 202. In one embodiment, in the core 18, the processor 200sends instructions and data to the video controller 202, which in turnsends video signals to be displayed as graphic images on the front 12and/or back 14 displays. The content of the video signal, or theexecution of its instructions, results in displaying either a staticimage or a variable image such as an animation or video clip. In anotherembodiment, the variable image may be displaying an image that isperceived to be static. In an alternative embodiment, the core 18 sendsthe definition of a static image to be maintained by one of the displays12, 14 until instructed to change. Non-limiting examples of Videoformats and containers include: MJPEG, Motion JPEG 2000, MPEG-1, MPEG-2,MPEG-4 ASP, MPEG-4/AVC, H.120, H.261, H.262, H.263, H.264, AMV, AVS,Dirac, Indeo, Pixlet, RealVideo, RTVideo, SheerVideo, Smacker, Snow,Theora, VC-1, VP6, VP7, WMV, 3GP, ASF, AVI, Bink, DMF, DPX, FLV,Matroska, MP4, MXF, NUT, Ogg, Ogg Media, QuickTime MOV, RealMedia,Smacker, RIFF, VOB, AIFF, AU, WAV, Shockwave SWA. Non-limiting examplesof Image formats include: JPEG, JPEG 2000, lossless JPEG, JBIG, JBIG2,PNG, WBMP, BMP, GIF, ICER, ILBM, PCX, PGF, TGA, TIFF, JPEG XR/HD Photo.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 includes miniaturized on-board speakers(not shown). In another embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to externalspeakers through a wireless connection such as BlueTooth. In oneembodiment, the processor 200 and/or video controller 202 synchronizesthe video and animation with audio communicated to internal and/orexternal speakers. External speakers include, but are not limited to,physically connected headsets, wireless headsets, wireless speakers,directed sound speakers, or a cell phone or other communication devicewith a speaker.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, the DPC 10 isflexible to some degree. This requires the front display 12 (and backdisplay 14 if provided) to be flexible. In other embodiments, the DPC 10has one or more of the following: back display 14, front touch screen 16a, back touch screen 16 b. In this case, these components must alsosupport some degree of flexibility. Similarly the core 18 and othercomponents are either flexible, small enough to not impede the desireddegree of flexibility or both. Likewise, in related embodiment, thedisplays, touch screens 16 a, b, and other components are securedtogether essentially forming layers. In these embodiments, the layersare constructed in such a way that each layer flexes without separatingor splitting from the adjoining components or layers. In an alternativeembodiment, the DPC 10 is not flexible and is not intended to be bent orflexed. In yet another embodiment, portions of the DPC 10 supportflexibility. In a non-limiting example, the corners of the DPC 10 areflexible allowing the player to bend the corner of the DPC 10 upslightly while the front face 12 is face down such that the turned-upcorner reveals the face value of the DPC 10 similarly to how playersoften look at traditional playing cards.

Front/Back Displays

In the preferred embodiment, the front and back displays 12, 14 are fromthe class of electrophoretic flexible displays. In one non-limitingembodiment, the front and back displays 12, 14 are manufactured usingelectrophoretic imaging film, where the display is constructed frommicrocapsules of tiny particles, colored black or white. To produce animage, the particles are positively or negatively charged to get thecorrect balance of grey tone to the top microcapsule where they arevisible and remaining particles to the bottom of the microcapsule wherethey are hidden. In effect, each of these microcapsules is equivalent toa pixel on a standard LED, LCD style display. Two key benefits of thistype of display are that it does not require a back light and once theparticles have been charged, no additional power is required to maintainthe image. Moreover, it is advantageous that the display is not backlitin that it maintains a look and feel similar to a traditional playingcard. In one non-limiting embodiment, the front and/or back displays 12,14 are flexible displays from E-Ink Corp, 733 Concord Ave., Cambridge,Mass. 02138. Another non-limiting example is the rollable display byPolymer Vision (Kastanjelaan 1000, Building SFH, 5616 LZ Eindhoven, TheNetherlands) used in its Readius® reader product In one embodiment, thedisplays are active matrix. In an alternative the displays are passivematrix.

In an alternative embodiment, the front and/or back displays 12, 14 arefrom the class of electrochromic, color, flexible displays such as theSiemens (Siemens Corporation, 300 New Jersey Ave., Suite 1000,Washington, D.C. 20001) thin printable display. This type of display iscontrolled by a printed circuit and can be powered by a very thinprintable battery or a photovoltaic cell. The goal is to be able tocreate the entire device—the display and its power source—using the sameprinting method.”

In another non-limiting example of a flexible display, the displays areflexible electroluminescent displays. In one non-limiting example, SonyCorporation (7-1, Konan, 1-Chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 108-0075)manufactures an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) on an organicthin-film transistor (TFT) on a plastic substrate rather than glasscreating a thin, lightweight and flexible full-color display.

In certain embodiments of the flexible display (e.g. electronphoretic,electrochromic, and electroluminescent), the substrate materials used toconstruct the flexible displays are plastic. In an alternativeembodiment, the substrate is stainless steel.

In an alternative embodiment, the front and/or back displays 12, 14 arenot flexible, but rather use traditional rigid display technology.Non-limiting examples are thin LCD and LED displays.

The use of any thin display technology for the front and/or backdisplays 12, 14 of a DPC 10 is within the scope of this invention. Also,as technology advances and flexible displays become higher quality, lesspower demanding, and fuller featured (such as 3D and holograms),assembling these into a DPC 10 is within the scope of this invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the front display 12 primarily displays theimage of a traditional playing card which includes its suit and rank. Inone embodiment, similar to prior art paper-based playing cards, thefront display 12 shows the DPC's 10 rank and suit in diagonally oppositecorners (upper left and lower right) as well as in the middle. FIG. 4depicts a representative DPC 10 front display 12, as well as a backdisplay 14. In FIG. 2, a King of Hearts is being displayed. In thisexample, two opposite corners 400 a, b display the rank of the DPC 10.In the center of the front display 12 is displayed a graphic 402 a, bshowing the rank and suit. In one non-limiting example the top leftcorner 400 a displays the rank right side up and the lower right corner400 b upside side, similar to a traditional playing card.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the back display 14 primarily presents adesign or image common to all DPC 10 in a deck. Non-limiting examples ofthis common image is an interesting pattern or graphic 404, a brandedimage (e.g. branded for the casino) 406, an advertisement 408, or somecombination thereof. In another embodiment, the back display 14 presentsa common variable image such as an animation or video clip. In yetanother embodiment, the back display 14 shows a combination of commonstatic or variable images.

In a usual configuration the back display 14 of a DPC 10 shows the samegraphic for all cards to prevent players from determining the value ofthe DPC 10 from the image of the back display 14. It would beadvantageous to have different graphics on the backs of individual cardswithout inappropriately compromising the face value. In the preferredembodiment of the DPC 10, the back display 14 presents a design orimage, or alternatively a variable image such as an animation or videoclip, or a combination of static and variable images that are not thesame for each DPC 10 in a deck. The possible back images are assigned tothe DPC's 10 so that a person does not have an increased chance ofknowing the face value of the DPC. In one embodiment, the face value ofthe DPC 10 is displayed or communicated through symbols or otherwiseencoded in the static or variable images 410 on the back display 14 sothat the face value can be determined with the aid of a machine such asan optical reader located outside the DPC 10. However, the encoding is amachine readable set of symbols 410 (e.g. bar code, glyph or otherdesign) that may not be readable, understandable, recognizable,noticeable, distinguishable by, or possibly even visible to the humaneye or some combination thereof of said characteristics. Symbols 410 maybe a sequence of symbols displayed continuously or only at certaintimes, in subsets (like an animation) or in its entirety. If the facevalue is displayed in such a way as to be recognizable by a human, thenthat display is considered, by definition, to be a card face, not theback. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is possible for a DPC 10 to havetwo face displays 12 and no back display 14. In another embodiment, itis possible for a DPC 10 to have two face displays 12 at one time, and afront and back display 12, 14 at other times. In yet another embodiment,the definition of a DPC display may change so that the front display 12becomes the back display 14 and the back display 14 becomes the frontdisplay 12.

In the prior art, multiple decks may be combined together, some of whichmay have different images at the back displays 14. This same concept canapply to multiple decks of DPC's 10. A deck can be defined as anyarbitrary subset of DPC's 10, including a single DPC 10, and that a deckcan be considered a virtual, dynamic subset of DPC's 10, rather than anconstant physical subset. In one embodiment, a DPC 10 is assigned to oneor more decks. In a non-limiting example, there are a set of n physicalDPCs 10 {c1, . . . , cn}. There are two Decks {A,B}. A given card cx mayan element of A, B, both A and B, or neither, and this may change overtime. Likewise, just because cx and cy are elements of A, it does notfollow that cx and cy are elements of B. Using this example, in oneembodiment, back images may be assigned based on membership in aparticular deck. In the prior art case of multiple decks, after certaincards have been revealed, it is possible that a person can have a higherprobability of guessing what a given card is or is not compared withanother card. For example, if there are two decks, one is blue and oneis red, if the Ace of Hearts, Ace of Diamond, Ace of Spades, and Ace ofClubs from the blue deck is revealed, then when the player is looking ata blue deck card face down, he can know that the odds of the face valueof that card being an ace is zero. Whereas, if that card were a redcard, then the odds would be 1 in 13. In the preferred embodiment of adeck or multiple decks of a DPC 10, a person cannot increase his odds ofguessing cards by knowing of which deck a physical card is a membercombined with knowing which cards of certain decks have been revealed.In an alternative embodiment, the aforementioned nature of the changingodds of the physical deck is preserved.

Touch Detection

Referring back to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, one or more of thefront and/or back displays 12, 14 have the thin touch screens 16 a,bthat detect a person's touch and preferably the location of the touch.In the preferred embodiment, the touch screens 16 a, b can detectmultiple simultaneous touches. In an alternative embodiment, the touchscreens 16 a, b can only detect one touch at a time. Non-limitingexamples of touch screen technologies include: Resistive, Surfaceacoustic wave, Capacitive, Infrared, Strain gauge, Optical imaging,Dispersive signal technology, Acoustic pulse recognition, Frustratedtotal internal reflection, and Diffused laser imaging.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the core 18 also contains one ormore touch screen microcontrollers 208. The touch screens 16 a, b areconnected to one or more touch controllers 208. The touch controllers208 communicate touch data to the main processor 200.

In one embodiment, the touch data is associated to a virtual objectdisplayed under or in the proximity of the touch location. Actions areattributed to the touch. Non-limiting examples are pressing a button, orselecting an object or item. In another embodiment, the touch screen 16a, b tracks a touch and drag and associates an action on a virtualobject with the touch and drag. One non-limiting example is touching anicon on the front display 12 and moving the icon to a new location bysliding the finger (i.e. dragging) to the new location and lifting thefinger to signify the end. In this example, the DPC 10 continuallyre-draws the icon to coincide with the finger's new position during thedrag to provide the person the necessary visual feedback of the action.

In another embodiment, the touch data is not associated with anydisplayed object, but rather used to track if and how the DPC 10 isbeing held. In another embodiment, the touch data is able to detect ifand how the DPC 10 is being covered. In one non-limiting example the DPC10 is face up, but not displaying the face value of the card. The playerplaces his hand curved over the front display 12 and the touch screen 16a detects how the player is covering the DPC 10 and the DPC 10determines that the player is sufficiently covering the card to concealthe front display 12 from the view of other players. As a result, theDPC 10 displays the face value on the front display 12. In anotherembodiment, the DPC 10 displays only a portion of the face value basedon which part of the front display 12 is sufficiently concealed fromview by other players.

In another embodiment, the DPC 10 is face down and the player touchesthe back display 14 causing the DPC 10 to “turn over” and reveal theface value by switching which displays are the front and back displays12, 14. The display showing then shows the graphics and images assignedto the face value of the DPC 10. In an alternative embodiment, the DPC10 consists of a single display, in which case it has been displaying aback of a card and upon touching displays the face. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the player touches the DPC 10 to turn it backover so that the content of the back display 14 is showing. This isreferred to at Tap Turn Over or Tap Reveal.

In another embodiment, the touch screen 16 a is a touch screen scannerand is able to scan an object touching the DPC 10. In one embodiment,the touch screen scanner scans the person's finger print. In anotherembodiment, the DPC 10 is able to distinguish between a finger touchingthe screen and some other object. Non-limiting examples include: thetable, another DPC 10, chips, or other game pieces. In anotherembodiment, the one or more front and back displays 12, 14 areinterlaced or interwoven with tiny cameras (not shown) and are able totrack a player's fingers on the screen. In yet another embodiment, thetiny cameras have a viewing distance of a few feet in front of the DPC10 and are able to view objects near the DPC 10. A single image iscreated from a composite of the images from all of the cameras. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the DPC 10 is able to create an image of theface of the person in front of the cards for the purpose of facialrecognition.

Environmental Awareness

Referring back to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, the DPC 10 contains one ormore components that detect the physical orientation, direction, motion,and/or location of the DPC 10 and is aware of its physical orientation,direction pointing, current motion, and/or absolute location or itslocation relative to some other object, and any changes in such.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 contains a physical orientation monitor20. In another non-limiting embodiment, the physical orientation monitor20 is a tiny gyroscope which provides the DPC 10 vertical orientation.In one embodiment, the gyroscope provides angular data such that 0°means the DPC 10 is completely vertically upright, 90° means the DPC 10is lying completely flat with the face up, 180° means the card iscompletely vertically upside down, and 270° means the card is lyingcompletely flat face down, and other measurements provide differentorientations proportionally between these extremes.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 contains a direction detector 22. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, the direction detector 22 is a tinycompass that reports angular direction such that 0° means the DPC 10 isoriented with a basis side facing North, 90° means the DPC 10 isoriented East, 180° means the card is oriented South, and 270° means thecard is oriented West, and other measurements provide differentorientations proportionally between.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 contains a location detector 24. Inanother non-limiting embodiment, the location detection component 24 isa global positioning system (GPS) chip which provides the DPC 10 itsphysical location. One non-limiting example of a miniaturized GPS chipis SE4110S global positioning system receiver such as a GNSS (GlobalNavigation Satellite System) receiver), which measures 2.2 mm square and0.4 mm thick.

In the preferred embodiment, the DPC 10 is aware of its physicalorientation and displays its static or variable images, or a portion ofits images, so that they are properly aligned with the orientation ofthe DPC 10. A non-limiting example of the image is the middle rank andsuit symbols. The result is that no matter which way a person holds acard, the middle rank and suit and displayed for ease of reading. In analternative embodiment, the DPC 10 is aware of its directionalorientation (e.g. North, South, East, or West) and can adjust its imagesor portion of its images appropriately. A non-limiting example is thatthe DPC 10 is aware of its directional orientation in relation to aplayer's view and adjusts the displays of its middle rank and suitgraphic 402 a, b for ease of reading by the player.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 contains a motion detector 26. In anothernon-limiting embodiment, the motion detector 26 is an accelerometerwhich is able to detect motion, speed or velocity, and/or accelerationof the DPC 10. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless component 210is able to calculate position and motion. In one non-limiting example,the wireless is able to triangulate its position relative to one or moretransmitters or wireless access points 500 (FIG. 5) and from thisdetermine its absolute or relative location and interpret change islocation as motion, including velocity or speed and acceleration.

In an alternative embodiment, a single component performs a plurality offunctions such as detect the physical orientation, direction, motion,and/or location. In another embodiment, there is a plurality of thesemulti-function components that in aggregate accomplish a subset of theaforementioned functions.

Power and Battery

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 has a plurality of power sources 28 thatsupply the power needed to drive the front display 12, back display 14,and all other components on the DPC 10. Non-limiting examples of powerconsumers include core electrical and logic components 18, locationdetection 24, direction and physical orientation component(s) 20, touchscreen 16 a, b, or one or more batteries 30 that temporarily store thepower for later use by one of the other power consumers.

In one embodiment, the power source 28 is a receiver of wireless power.In a non-limiting embodiment, the wireless receiver power source 28 is aminiaturized magnetic resonant coupling coil. In one non-limitingembodiment, a master resonant coil is positioned in a defined area.Non-limiting examples include one side of a card shoe 300 (FIG. 3) orother storage device for the DPC 10, the perimeter of a defined areathat the DPC 10 is expected to remaining such as a Blackjack table 502(FIG. 5). Another miniaturized coil tuned to the same frequency is theDPC 10 power source 28. When power is applied to the master coil, itcreates a magnetic field. The power source 28 resonates with themagnetic field generating an electric current. In an alternativeembodiment, there is a plurality of master coils strategically placedaround a defined area, such as a casino gaming floor, and powersmultiple DPC's 10. This approach to wirelessly providing power isdescribed in Technology Review (Published by MIT), March/April 2008issue found at: http://www.technologyreview.com/readarticle.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=emerging08&id=2 0248.

In another embodiment, the power source 28 is a miniaturized, thinvoltaic cell which converts light energy into electrical current. In oneembodiment, photovoltaic cell is a silicon wafer. In another embodiment,the photovoltaic device employs a thin, flexible, and possiblytransparent substrate, possibly printed on a flexible polymer film.

In one embodiment, the power source 28 is a device that convertsmechanical energy into electrical current. In one non-limiting example,the power source 28 includes miniaturized coil around a sliding magnetso that movement causes the magnet to pass through the coil to causevariation of a magnetic field of the coil, so that the coil produces anelectric current by variation of the magnetic field, thereby generatingthe electricity so as to supply an electric power.

In an alternative embodiment, the power source is a receiver ofelectrical power through a physical connection. In one non-limingexample, a physical metal contact 32 receives an electrical charge froma corresponding contact external to the DPC 10.

Other non-limiting embodiments of the power source 28 include:electrical currents going through a person's skin, thermoelectricmaterials which use miniature, thin-film technologies to convert thermalenergy into electrical power, possibly sourced by the thermal energygenerated by a person's body as he touches the DPC 10. One skilled inthe arts will recognize that the miniaturized power source 28 mayinclude a plurality of the solutions described by the aforementionedembodiments and examples but is not limited by those embodiment andexamples.

In an embodiment, the power source 28 charges or recharges the battery30 which then supplies the needed power for the components. In anotherembodiment, the battery 30 is actually a capacitor and the power source28 charges the capacitor. In another embodiment, there is a plurality ofpower sources 28 and/or batteries/capacitors 30 receiving its power fromany or all of the power sources 28. In yet another embodiment, one ormore of the individual power consumers on the DPC 10 has its own powersource 28, battery 30, or both. In an alternative embodiment, thebatteries 30 are not charged by a power source, but directly from anexternal power source (not shown). In yet another embodiment, one ormore batteries 30 are physically replaced in lieu of being recharged.

In one embodiment, the battery 30 is one or more thin film batteries(TFB). One non-limiting example of a thin film batteries are LiTE*STARthin-film batteries. They are thin electrochemical batteries where thecathode and anode are separated by an electrolyte and are capable ofbeing 0.5 mm thick and can be integrated onto a flexible PCB.

In another embodiment, the battery 30 is one or more nano-wirebatteries, where the TFB cathode is made of nano-wires, thus increasingthe surface area of the cathode and increasing the capacity for a givensize. One non-limiting example is the nano-wire battery as providied byEnable IPC (4005 Felland Road, Suite 107, Madison, Wis. 53718)

In another embodiment, the battery 30 is a thin, flexible, printedbattery, printed on a flexible plastic substrate. One non-limitingexample is the battery used to power Power Paper by Power Paper, Inc (3Ha'amal Street, West Industrial ZoneBelt Shemesh, 99102, Israel) whichcan be about 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm thick.

Other non-limiting embodiments of the battery 30 include: the use ofcarbon-micro-electro-mechanical (C-MEM) as the basis for fabrication ofsmart switchable array of batteries, or the use of electrode elementscomprising flexible sheets of polymeric composition in which aredispersed finely-divided particulate materials capable of reversiblyintercalating lithium ions during battery charge/discharge cycles tocreate polymeric laminated battery. One skilled in the arts willrecognize that the miniaturized battery 30 may include a plurality ofthe solutions described preceding non-limiting embodiments and examples.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 implements a plurality of power saving orpower reduction strategies. Non-limiting examples include the use ofelectrophoretic flexible displays, such as that produce by eInk, wherebypower is only used to change the display and no power is required tomaintain an image on the display, and the use of IC and chips thatemploy intelligent sleep, suspend, or low power modes to lower powerrequirements in the other components that make up the DPC 10.

Random Number Generator

Referring again to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the DPC 10 has arandom number generator 212. In one embodiment, the RNG 212 produces apseudorandom sequence of numbers and uses a plurality of environmentalinputs to seed its algorithm. In another embodiment, the RNG 212 istruly random and uses a plurality of environmental inputs to calculateits random number. In one non-limiting example, the RNG 212 uses certaindata or output from the motion detector 26 as its input. In anotherembodiment, the RNG 212 uses touch data from one or more touch screens16 a, b or their associated touch microcontrollers 208 as its input. Inanother embodiment, the RNG 212 uses random noise or signal data fromthe wireless communication component 210 as input. In yet anotherembodiment, the RNG 212 uses some combination or alternation of aplurality of sources as its input. One skilled in the art will easilyunderstand that any data from any onboard component, or any componentexternal to the DPC 10 but communicated wirelessly, can be used as inputto the RNG 212 and is included in the scope of this invention. In analternative embodiment, seeds numbers and/or input data is stored in RAM204. In another embodiment, the seed numbers and/or input data is storedin NV RAM 206. In yet another embodiment, the seed number and/or dataused by the RNG 212 is constructed from a combination of one or moreenvironmental inputs, such as those listed above, data stored in RAM204, or NV RAM 206, or some combination thereof.

Communication

Referring back to FIG. 2 in an embodiment, the core 18 contains one ormore wireless components 208. In one embodiment, the wireless componentis a Wi-Fi communication chip which communicates to a plurality ofwireless access points 500 (FIG. 5). In another embodiment, the wirelesscomponent is a Bluetooth chip. One non-limiting example is the MemorySpot chip from Hewlett-Packard is 2 mm square and capable of 10 megabitsper second communication with a built in antenna. Another non-limitingexample, the wireless component is similar to the highly miniaturizedwireless MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) foldable transceiverdesigned at the University of Florida that uses WLAN technology(described in TechID 04A026 athttp://www.research.usfedu/p1/04A026.pdf). Other non-limiting examplesare miniature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips from QualcommAtheros (1700technology Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95110) which measure 32 square mm and9.2 square mm respectively.

In another embodiment, the wireless component is an RFID tag. In oneembodiment, the RFID chip communicates data to a nearby RFID reader. Inanother embodiment, the RFID chip is not connected to or communicateddirectly with or indirectly through other components physically locatedon the DPC to the main processor 200. One non-limiting example of aminiaturized RFID chip is Hitachi's RFID chip, dubbed Powder or Dustwhich measures 0.15 square mm in size and 7.5 micrometers thick.

In another embodiment, one or more nano-radios are used to receive,transmit, or both, data wirelessly. In yet another embodiment, the DPC10 incorporates a plurality of communication components, chips,protocols, and/or methods.

In one embodiment, the wireless component uses one or more specificfrequencies. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless componentimplements Frequency Hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). In yet anotherembodiment, the wireless component implements direct-sequence spreadspectrum (DSSS).

In one embodiment, the wireless communication is secured from tamperingor undetected modification. In another embodiment, the wireless iscompletely encrypted to prevent unauthorized reading of the data.Non-limiting examples of wireless communication security include WEP andWPA style security methods as well as methods incorporated into thecommunication protocol standards implemented by the wireless components.One skilled in the arts will see that other public/private keyencryption, asymmetric and symmetric key encryption methods are withinthe scope of this invention.

Non-limiting examples of wireless protocols include: Wi-Fi, 802.11family of protocols, Bluetooth, Wibree, DECT, WiBro, WiMAX, UMTS-TDD,HSPA, EV-DO, Satellite, IR, LTE, DNS, TFTP, TLS/SSL, FTP, Gopher, HTTP,IMAP, IRC, NNTP, POP3, SIP, SMTP, SNMP, SSH, TELNET, ECHO, RTP, PNRP,rlogin, ENRP, TCP, UDP, DCCP, SCTP, IL, RUDP, RSVP, IP (IPv4, IPv6)ICMP, IGMP, ICMPv6. Other non-limiting examples of cellular protocolsinclude: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General PacketRadio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution(EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT),Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA), and Integrated Digital Enhanced Network(iDEN).

In another embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to Bluetooth enableddevices such as wireless headphones.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the DPC 10 has an antenna34 external to any chip set and is connected to the wireless component210 in the core 18. In one embodiment, the antenna 34 extends betweenthe front side display 16 a and back side disply 16 b display, or thefront display 16 a and any static back side, in the case of a singledisplay DPC 10. In another embodiment, the antenna 34 is enlarged forincreased range capabilities.

In other non-limiting embodiments, there is a plurality of componentsencompassed in a single chip. In one non-limiting example, the functionsof the main processor 200, the wireless communication, and the touchmicrocontroller 208 are performed by a single chip which may or may nothave multiple cores or processors.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 has a small physical metal contact plate32 through which it can communicate which in contact with correspondingcontact on another device. In another embodiment, the contact connectionis used for charging the battery 30. In another embodiment, the contactplate 32 is used for both communication and charging the battery 30. Inone non-limiting example, the charge and the communication do not occursimultaneously. In another non-limiting example, the communication andcharging occur effectively at the same time, although it may betime-shared. In one embodiment, a card shoe 300 (FIG. 3) is modified tocharge and/or communicate with a DPC 10 while it is in the shoe 300before it is drawn out of the shoe 300. In another embodiment, the DPC10 metal contact plate 32 makes contact with a longer correspondingplate 302 on the shoe 300 as it slides out the shoe 300. FIG. 3 is adiagram of a non-limiting example of such a modified card shoe 300. Inprior art, a card shoe is a box appropriately sized and shaped to hold adeck of playing cards 304 so that one card 10 is available at the end tobe pulled out by the dealer. The deck of cards 304 is pushed to the endby a back plate 306, which is in turn pushed by some type of springdevice 308. The shoe 300 is modified to accommodate dynamic playingcards DPCs 10 with a contact 302 aligned so that it touches thecorresponding contact plate 32 on the DPC 10. In one embodiment, thelength of the contact 302 on the shoe 300 is determined based on thetime needed to initiate and complete any communication and datatransfer. This is a function of speed of communication and amount ofdata to be transferred. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 is laid on acontact point to initiate charging and/or communication. Non-limitingexamples of the metal contacts are copper and brass, possibly platedwith nickel, tin, gold, or silver.

System Architecture

FIG. 5 is a diagram of one embodiment of the system architecture. In thepreferred embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates wirelessly over a wirelessnetwork which gives allows the DPC 10 to communicate directly orindirectly to various back end computers, servers, and systems as wellas other DPC's 10 and devices such as mobile telephones.

In one embodiment, the wireless network uses one or more of thepreviously mentioned wireless protocols and their associatedtechnologies. In another embodiment, there is plurality of wirelessnetworks. In a related embodiment, the multiple physical networks arecombined virtually into one or more virtual networks. In alternativeembodiment, multiple virtual networks are implemented on a singlephysical network. In the preferred embodiment, the DPC 10 communicatesto one or more wireless network access points shown as antenna 500. Inone non-limiting example, the antenna 500 are distributed across theexpected play area or multiple play areas, such as a casino floor. Inanother embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to an RFID receiver 502. Inone embodiment, RFID receivers 502 are on tables where one or more DPC's10 are intended to be physically located. In another embodiment, theRFID receivers 502 are located around the expected play area.

Communication with DPC Manager

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to a DPC Manager 504. In oneembodiment, the DPC Manager 504 keeps track of and manages all DPC's 10at a gaming establishment. For a DPC Manager 504 to manage a DPC 10, itperforms one or more of the following functions: enable or disable theDPC 10, maintain and communicate global settings, maintain andcommunicate DPC-specific settings, maintain official code signatures forauthorized DPC 10 software, interrogates the DPC 10 at defined and/orrandom times for the authenticity of its software, conducts periodicrandomness checks, downloads operating system, micro-controllersoftware, driver, application, etc authorized updates to the DPC 10,maintains current status of the DPC 10, including location, orientation,contents of front and back display 16 a, b, receives log entries fromthe DPC 10, instructs the DPC 10 to show or hide all or portions of itsfront and/or back display(s), routes, processes and issues commands,and/or translates communications from other systems to the DPC 10,maintains location restrictions and/or associations (e.g. the DPC 10 issupposed to be at this table), maintains player or dealer associations(e.g. the DPC 10 is currently associated with this player and/or thisdealer or is still in the shoe 300), tracks face value of the DPC 10,maintains which deck 304 or decks it is a member of.

In one embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 stores all application codeand/or operating system code, except possibly some bootstrap code. TheDPC 10 boots from the wireless network and downloads the latest approvedapplication and/or operating system code from the DPC Manager 504. Onenon-limiting example of a DPC Manager 504 is the Bally Download andConfiguration manager available from Bally Gaming, Inc. of Las Vegas,Nev., modified to track and manage DPC's 10.

In one embodiment, an RFID receiver 502 reads a plurality of DPC RFIDtags 210 and communicates their proximity to the central DPC Manager504, and as such the DPC Manager 504 can determine their locations. Inone embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 communicates a DPC's 10 locationback to the DPC 10 through a wireless network or equivalent wirelesscommunication method. In another embodiment, the DPC Manager 502communicates a subset of all DPCs 10 locations back to a certain DPC 10so that the DPC 10 can know other DPCs 10 that are nearby.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the DPC 10 is restricted to a certainphysical location. The DPC Manager 504 is aware of the DPC's 10 locationand if it is within its defined region. In this example, the DPC Manager504 is aware that the DPC 10 has left the region subject to and based onthe gaming establishment's business rules or regulatory rules, the DPCManager 504 disables the DPC 10. Some non-limiting examples of locationrestrictions include a casino gaming floor, a specific pit, a specifictable. In another embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 combines data on aplayer's or dealer's proximity with the DPC 10 location so that it candetect if a DPC 10 is near its associated player or dealer. If not, itdisables the DPC 10. In a related embodiment, the DPC Manager 504combines data on a player's or dealer's proximity, combined with the DPC10 location as well as acknowledgment from DPC 10 that it is beingtouched or held to determine if the DPC 10 is being touched or held byits associated player or dealer. If not, it disables the DPC 10.

Non-limiting alternatives for disabling the DPC 10 is to simply concealthe face value and display an alert message on the front and/or backdisplay 12, 14 until the DPC 10 returns to the appropriate location,disable the DPC 10 and require some management process before wirelesslyre-enabling, or completely disable the DPC 10 and require a specialphysical and/or manual process to re-enable the DPC 10. In anotherembodiment, the DPC Manager 504 notifies other system components andservices, and possibly other DPC Managers 504 that the DPC 10 has beendisabled and is removed from play or that it has been enabled orre-enabled and is in or available for play.

In one embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 communicates the information,text, graphics, images, video, animations, or any combination thereof,collectively referred to as content, to the DPC 10 for immediate ordeferred display and instructs the DPC 10 when and what to display. Inan alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 determines what content to displayand when to display it. In yet another embodiment, a lead DPC 10determines what content the DPC 10 will display and when to display it.

In one embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 is aware of the location of eachDPC 10 and instructs the DPC 10 to show or conceal its front and/or backdisplay 12, 14 based on its location. In an alternative embodiment, theDPC 10 is environmentally aware and determines to show or conceal itsfront and/or back display 12, 14. In one non-limiting example, the DPC10 is in a storage area or holding device, such as card shoe 300, andnot assigned to a player or dealer and is not in play. In this case, theDPC 10 turns off or refrains from updating its front and back display12, 14 since it is not visible to anyone. Another non-limiting examplethe face display 12 is not turned on or updated when it is face down.Similarly, the back display 14 is not turned on or updated when it isface up. In another embodiment, such situations are also not included inbeing sent, do not receive, or do not respond to certain communications.In one non-limiting example, a DPC 10 knows that it is in a modifiedcard shoe 300 so it disables its wireless communications. When the DPC10 is pulled out of the shoe 300, it communicates or otherwise knowsthrough the physical metal contact 302 that it has exited the shoe 300and then turns on its wireless communication. One advantage of suchembodiments and examples is that power is conserved by not updating thatportion of any of the front and/or back display 12, 14.

In one embodiment, the content is dynamic and the DPC 10 must beginshowing the content at the appropriate point in time. One such exampleis where the content is a 100 frame animation. At the time when the DPC10 should begin displaying the animation, the animation should be atframe 27, for a variety of possible reasons. In one embodiment, the DPCManager 504 synchronizes the animation for the DPC 10.

In one embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 provides the appropriate place inthe content sequence to begin displaying. In another embodiment, adesignated lead DPC 10 provides this, while in yet another embodimentthe DPC 10 itself understands where in the content sequence it shouldbegin displaying. In one embodiment, the sequence start is slightly inthe future, by specifying a delayed sequence start, possibly a fewmilliseconds, to accommodate delay encountered in processing thecommand. In an alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 has an internal clock(not shown) either as a separate miniaturized component or as part ofanother component so that it knows the exact time and the displayinstruction or determination includes both a sequence start location anda start time as well.

In one embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 coordinates activities betweenone or more DPCs 10. In one embodiment, the DPCs 10 communicate witheach other to collaboratively coordinate such activities. In yet anotherembodiment, the DPCs 10 communicate pertinent data to the designatedlead DPC 10 which coordinates such activities among the other DPCs 10.One non-limiting example of such activity coordination is the display ofcontent spanning across the front, back, or both displays 12, 14 of morethan one DPC 10 providing the visual effect of a larger single display.In one embodiment, one or more DPCs 10 are aware of their locationsrelative to each other, including distance between or overlap anddirectional orientation relative to each other. Each DPC 10 is able todistinguish between the display area visible and that which is obscuredby another card. In another embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 provides thelocation and directional orientation relative to each other to theapplicable DPCs 10. In one embodiment, one or more DPCs 10 identifyother candidate DPCs 10 to work with to create a single display effect.In an alternative embodiment, such identification and/or determinationare collaborative efforts between one or more DPCs 10 and the DPCManager 504. In one embodiment, the DPCs 10 communicate with each otherto establish which portion, position, and size of the content each willshow on its display and to synchronize its presentation so that thecombined effect of each DPC 10 is perceived as a single informationalmessage, text message, graphic, image, video, or animation, accountingfor overlaps or gaps between the DPCs 10. In another embodiment, thelead DPC 10 provides the portion, position, and size of the content toeach DPC 10 and the synchronization data. In yet another embodiment, theDPC Manager 504 provides this management. In yet another embodiment, aplurality of the aforementioned methods are employed to collectivelyprovide this management.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of two examples of single images spanning two DPCs10. The first example is two DPCs 600, 602 that are physicallypositioned side by side. One DPC 600 displays a visual message 604 acentered along its long edge, but flushed right. The other DPC 602displays a corresponding visual message 604 b also centered along itslong edge, but flushed left. The resulting visual effect of the side byside images is a single image 606 spanning both DPCs 600, 602 thatadvertizes “Eat at Joe's”. In the second example, two DPCs 600, 602 arepositioned so that DPC 602 is partially overlapping DPC 600. One DPC 600is displaying one image 604 a and the second DPC 602 is displaying itsimage 604 b such that the result is a single celebratory image 606spanning both DPC's 600, 602.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 knows which portion of its front or backdisplay 12, 14 is not visible due to being obscured by another DPC 10and does not modify the graphic or video display in the obscured region.One advantage of such an embodiment is that power is conserved by notupdating that portion of the display. In another embodiment, the DPCManager 504 is aware of which portions of a given DPC 10 are obscured byanother DPC 10 and instructs the DPC 10 to not update that portion ofits display. In an alternative embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 altersthe content, image, video, or animation so that the obscured portion ofthe DPC's 10 front or back display 12, 14 is not modified.

This invention allows for a plurality of DPC Managers 504 to keep trackof and manage the DPCs 10 at a gaming establishment. In one embodiment,a DPC 10 is managed by one and only one DPC Manager 504. In analternative embodiment, a DPC 10 may be managed by a plurality of DPCManagers 504, some simultaneously. In one non-limiting embodiment, eachDPC Manager 504 is assigned a subset of DPCs 10 to manage. In anotherembodiment, the DPC Manager 504 manages the DPCs 10 located in a regionof the gaming establishment. In yet another embodiment, the DPC Manager504 manages one or more decks and the DPCs 10 in those decks.

One aspect of this invention allows for the management of a DPC 10 to betransferred between two or more DPC Managers 504. FIG. 7 is a flowchartdescribing one embodiment of the process of a DPC Manager 504 initiatingmanagement control of a DPC 10, transferring from an existing manager ifnecessary. In one embodiment, a DPC Manager 504 detects a DPC at 700. Inan alternative embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 is already aware of theDCP 10, but some status has changed causing the DPC Manager 504 toconsider taking management control of the DPC 10 at 700. The DPC Manager504 may be configured to periodically pool for DPCs 10 in its area ofcontrol. One non-limiting example is the DPC Managers 504 manage DPCs 10in a certain physical area. A certain DPC 10 is in both regions. Thenon-managing DPC Manager 504 detects that the DPC 10 is moving out ofthe managing DPC Manager's 504 region and more into its region; hence itelects to consider taking management control.

After determining to consider taking management control of the DPC 10,the DPC Manager 504 sends out a request for status for the DPC at 702from other DPC Managers 504. In one embodiment, the request for statusis also sent or is alternatively sent to the DPC 10 itself. In oneembodiment, the status provided includes at least the DPC 10identification and identification of the managing DPC Manager 504. Inanother embodiment, other data provided includes one or more of thefollowing: associated player or dealer, face value, physical location,display status, other identifying information, hardware configuration,communication parameters, security information such as, but not limitedto keys and passwords. In an alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 ismanaged by multiple DPC Managers 504 and the data in the status responsereflects the multiple DPC Managers 504.

Once the DPC Manager 504 receives all the responses from its request, itperforms a check to ensure agreement among the respondents at 704. Ifthere is disagreement, the DPC Manager 504 must initiate a process at706 to resolve the differences. It then reissues the request. In analternative embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 is able to resolve thedifferences and continue with the process (not shown).

Assuming the respondents are in agreement or disagreements have beenresolved with regards to the status of the DPC 10, the DPC Manager 504must check if the DPC 10 is currently being managed at 708. If it is,then it must determine at 710 if it can transfer the management controlof the DPC 10. In one embodiment, the existing DPC Manager 504 makes thedecision to allow the new DPC Manager 504 to take management control. Asa result, the new DPC Manager 504 negotiates with the existing managerto determine which will control the DPC 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the DPC 10 itself makes the decision to allow the new DPCManager 504 to take management control, so the DPC Manager 504 mustnegotiate with the DPC 10. In yet another embodiment, the new DPCManager 504 is able to make the decision itself, based on statusresponses. In any case, the DPC Manager 504 has either negotiated totransfer management control or not at 712. If not, the DPC Manager 504continues to monitor the DPC 10 at 714 for any change in status thatmight cause the DPC Manager 504 reattempt negotiating for managementcontrol of the DPC 10.

In the event that the DPC Manager 504 has negotiated to transfermanagement control at 712 of the DPC 10 to itself or the DPC 10 is notcurrently be managed at 708, then the DPC Manager 504 beings the processof initiating management control of the DPC 10. It begins this byissuing a command/request to the DPC 10 to initiate management at 716.If the DPC 10 is being managed at 718 the DPC 10 notifies the existingmanager of the request at 720 and the current managing DPC Manager 504confirms with the DPC 10 at 722. In the case where the current managingDPC Manager 504 does not confirm the request, the DPC 10 must enter anerror state to resolve the inconsistencies (not shown).

The DPC 10 accepts the new management control from the DPC Manager 504and communicate any pertinent data to the new managing DPC Manager 504at 724. Non-limiting examples of possible data exchanged include, butare not limited to: current state, current face value, any face valuesequence, location, orientation, direction, associated player/dealer,hardware information, etc. If the DPC 10 was previously being managed at726, the DPC 10 confirms the transfer with the old DPC Manager 504 at728. The old DPC Manager 504 confirms the transfer complete with the newDPC Manager 504 at 730 and the old DPC Manager 504 relinquishes controlof the DPC 10 at 732. In an alternative embodiment, the new DPC Manager504 confirms the transfer with the old DPC Manager 504 at 728. Thetransfer of management from one DPC Manager 504 to another is thencomplete at 734.

In alternative embodiments, the communication with the DPC Manager 504is not wireless, but rather through a method which requires physicalcontact. In one specific embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 communicateswith the DPC 10 through the metal contact 32. In one non-limitingexample, the contact occurs as the DPC 10 is exiting a modified cardshoe 300. As a person pulls the DPC 10 out of the card shoe 300, the DPC10 contact 32 physically touches the shoe contact 302. As it does, theDPC Manager 504 communicates data to the DPC 10. Non-limiting examplesof data communicated include front display 12 content, e.g. card facevalue and suit, back display 14 content, physical location, assignedplayer/dealer and associated data including biometric and otheridentification, data, skill data, and personalization data. In anotherembodiment the DPC 10 communicates data to the DPC Manager 504 duringthis process. Non-limiting examples include DPC 10 identifying data,security checks, etc. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 is placed on aphysical contact on the table so that the DPC Manager 504 cancommunicate to/with the DPC 10.

The DPC Manager 504 may act as a routing device, receiving, forwarding,interpreting, translating, or otherwise facilitating communicationbetween a DPC 10 and server, workstation or any other device on thenetwork, or another DPC 10 and such communication may be wired orwireless or combination. Consequently, it is disclosed that anycommunication between a DPC 10 and server, workstation or any otherdevice on the network, or another DPC 10 that is referred to as directcommunication may or may not utilize one or more DPC Managers 504 asintermediaries for that direct communication whether explicitlymentioned or not.

Communication with Game Server

With reference to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates toa Game Server 506. In an alternative embodiment, communication betweenthe DPC 10 and the Game Server 506 is through one or more DPC Managers504. In either case, the DPC 10 is considered communicating to a GameServer 506.

The Game Server 506 oversees, manages, or directly instructs the DPC 10with regards to game logic. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthis invention allows any and all games capable of being played on orwith cards, including playing cards as defined and referenced above, orspecialized decks of cards. In one embodiment, a Game Server 506 managesone type of game. In one embodiment the Game Server 506 knows the gamecontext. The game context consists of one or more of, but not limitedto, the following: the value of each hand in play for all players anddealer (competitive hands), the game rules, game odds, number and typeof decks in play, and what is currently going on in the play of the game(e.g. a certain player is being dealt another card), what needs tohappen next (e.g. a certain player must make a decision while theremainder of the players wait). Any subset of these is called a partialgame context. One non-limiting example of a partial game context is aparticular player's hand and the dealer's hand, and the state of gameplay relative to a certain player. In another embodiment, the GameServer 506 communicates the game context or a partial game context toone or more DPC's 10. In another embodiment, the Game Server 506communicates the same information to each DPC 10, but in an alternativeembodiment, the Game Server 506 communicates selective information andcreates a partial game context customized for a given DPC 10 or hand. Inyet another embodiment, a DPC 10 in a hand is selected as the lead DPC10 for that hand and the Game Server 506 communicates the game contextor a partial game context to the lead DPC 10, which may or may notcommunicate all or a subset of the data to the other DPCs 10 in thehand. In still another embodiment, a given DPC 10 or a lead DPC 10constructs a partial game context or the entire game context bycommunicating with one or more DPCs 10. This invention allows for agiven DPC 10 to create its partial game context or the entire gamecontext from a plurality of sources and through a plurality of methods.

In another embodiment, the Game Server 506 manages a plurality of games.This invention allows for a DPC 10 to communicate to one or more GameServers 506 simultaneously or sequentially. In one embodiment, the GameServer 506 tracks which game each DPC 10 is being used in. In anotherembodiment, the Game Server 506 changes or instructs the DPC Manager 504or DPC 10 to change some or all of its representation on the frontand/or back display 12, 14. In another embodiment, the Game Server 506downloads game specific logic and or graphic or other content based onone or more game types that DPC 10 may be playing.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 may be involved in two gamessimultaneously In one embodiment the card value is the same for eachgame. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 has more than one card facevalues and the front display 12 is divided so that the player/dealer cansee all the card face values at the same time. In another embodiment,the DPC 10 only displays a subset of the card face values at a giventime. In one embodiment, the Game Server 506 coordinates between theactions in the multiple games and displays the appropriate face value atthe appropriate time. In another embodiment, the player is able toselect the appropriate card face value to display, based on hispreference and current game play action.

In one embodiment, the Game Server 506 instructs the DPC 10 to displaygame-related messages. Game-related messages include, but are notlimited to celebrations, hints, help, instructions, or any othergame-related, game-specific, partial game context dependent orindependent information, or any combination thereof. FIG. 8 providessome non-limiting examples of messages or information displayed on aplayer's hand of a Black Jack game. In example A, the player is dealt atwo-card hand 800 consisting of an Ace and King. The Game Server 506recognizes that the player has a winning hand and instructs the DPC's 10in the hand 800 to display a celebratory “Blackjack!” message 802. Inexample B, the player currently has three cards in his hand 804consisting of an Ace, a Seven, and a Four. The Game Server 506recognizes that the total value of the hand 804, under the rules ofBlackjack, is either 12 or 22 (since an Ace can have a value of 1 or11). The Game Server 506 instructs one of the DPCs 10 to display a gamehint or game instruction “Hit Me” message 806. In example C, the hand808 consists of two Queens. The Game Server 506 understands the gamecontext and that the optimal decision is that the player split the twocards. It instructs the DPCs 10 in the hand 808 to display the game hint“Split!” message 810. In example D, the player currently has three cardsin his hand 812 consisting of an Ace, Four, and Five. The Game Server506 recognizes that the total value of the hand 812 is either ten ortwenty. The Game Server 506 compares the player's total to the dealer's(not shown) and in the case is higher and therefore is a winner. Itinstructs one DPC 10 to display a celebratory message “You Win!” 814 andanother DPC 10 to display a game hint or game informational message “Youhave 20 or 10” 816. In another non-limiting example (not shown) the gameis a 5-card stud poker game. The game hint is “Hold Me” and/or “DiscardMe” and is specific to each DPC 10. In one embodiment, all the DPCs 10in a hand display all messages, whereas in an alternative embodiment,only a subset of the hand displays a given game-related message. In yetanother embodiment, a DPC 10 may display a plurality of game-relatedmessages.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the DPCs 10 which make up aplayer's hand 800, 804, 808, 812 are aware of the other cards in thehand and their face values as part of a partial game context. The DPCs10 know the game context or a partial game context and determine that itshould display a game-related message. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the lead DPC 10 in a hand knows the game context or apartial game context and instructs the other cards in the hand todisplay a game-related message. In another embodiment, the Game Server506 instructs the lead DPC 10 to display a game related message, whichin turn sends the command to one or more of the other DPCs 10 in thehand.

In another embodiment, the Game Server 506 tracks the face value of agiven DPC 10. The Game Server 506 assigns the face value to a DPC 10 andinstructs the DPC 10 front display 12 to display a face value to theassigned value. In one embodiment, the DPC 10 assigns its own face valuerandomly using an internal random number generator 212. In yet anotherembodiment, the lead DPC 10 assigns the face values and communicatesthem to the other DPCs 10 in a hand and/or back to the Game Server 506.In another embodiment, the Game Server 506 communicates a list of cardassignments to a DPC 10 or to a lead DPC 10. The DPC 10 assigns its ownface value or the lead DPC 10 assigns face values to other DPCs 10 byiterating through the list of card assignments. In one embodiment, theGame Server 506 instructs the DPC 10 to change its face value, but doesnot assign the face value, leaving the face value to be assigned by thelead DPC 10 or the DPC 10 itself.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates its face value back to theGame Server 506. In the case where the Game Server 506 did not assignthe face value, it is for the purpose of providing information the GameServer 506 of the face value. In the case where the Game Server 506originally assigned the face value, the purpose is for confirmation,security, and/or authentication that the DPC 10 set and/or displayed theface value as assigned. In another embodiment, the Game Server 506queries the DPC 10 for its face value and the DPC 10 responds with theface value being displayed or assigned. In one embodiment, the GameServer 506 records the face value originally assigned, if applicable,and the face value the DPC 10 communicated for regulatory purposes suchas replay, managing disputes, or other troubleshooting purposes.

In one embodiment, the Game Server 506 communicates the face valueassignments through one or more DPC Managers 504 using wireless or wiredmethods previously described is the DPC Manager 504 discussion. In anon-limiting embodiment, the DPC 10 is instructed to set its face valueas it is being dealt to the player. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 isinstructed to set its face value while it is being held by or in thenear vicinity of its assigned player as part of the player's hand. Inalternative embodiments, the lead DPC 10 performs the role of the GameServer 506 in the preceding embodiments. In another embodiment, thedealer inserts the DPC 10 into a device or places the DPC 10 on aspecial contact so that the DPC 10 can receive its card assignment. Inone embodiment, the DPC 10 delays displaying its face value for acertain period of time after the assignment to allow time for the DCP 10to be placed face down after exiting the device or being removed fromthe contact. In another embodiment, the player places the DPC 10 in asimilar device or on a similar contact. In another embodiment, eachplayer is assigned a specific contact, and the Game Server 506 and/orDPC Manager 504 determines which player the DPC 10 is assigned to bywhich contact the DPC 10 communicates through.

In one embodiment, the assigning of face values or the instruction tochange face value is in response to dealing a card. In one embodiment,the DPC 10 is physically dealt to a player. The DPC 10 sets its facevalue at some point before the deal, as the card is being physicallydealt, or after the card has been dealt and is part of the player'shand. In one non-limiting example, the DPC 10 is aware of its motion andchanges the display of its face value either while it is in motion orimmediately or soon after it stops or slows to specific speed. Inanother embodiment, the DPC 10 doesn't display its face value until theassigned player or dealer touches the card. In another embodiment, theGame Server 506 instructs the DPC 10 when to display its face value. Inone non-limiting example, the Game Server 506 delays that instructionuntil all the physical DPCs 10 in a player's hand, or dealer's hand, orall DPCs 10 that will be in play are physically dealt. In anotherembodiment, the DPC 10 is part of a player's hand for an extended period(e.g. longer than a single game hand) and the face values of the DPC 10change over time. One non-limiting example is the case of a 5 card studpoker game where a player maintains five cards in his hand at all times.The player continues to hold the same five physical DPCs 10 (either byphysically handling them or by having them sit in the vicinity of theplayer), but the values of the DPCs 10 change to simulate the playerbeing dealt different cards or a new hand of cards (virtual dealing).

In another embodiment, a subset of DPCs 10 rearrange or exchange theirface values. In one non-limiting example, this achieves a shuffling ofthe deck. In another non-limiting embodiment, the DPCs 10 that make up ahand have their face values rearranged in an effort to visually sortthemselves. In this embodiment, the set of face values represented bythe DPCs 10 in the hand does not change, but the assignment of thoseface values to particular DPCs 10 changes so that the DPCs 10 in a handholding are sorted appropriately according to face values in theplayer's hand or on the table without the player or dealer having tophysically move the cards. The sort order is part of or defined by agame context. In one non-limiting example, a standard poker game wouldsort a 2 towards the end, however, in a Deuces Wild, game the 2 might besorted higher up. In one embodiment, the sort shows the best possiblehand as it currently stands. In another embodiment, the sort shows movesany card values that should be discarded (assuming the game allows fordiscards) to a certain location. In one embodiment, the sort orderrepresents a pleasing or orderly visual appearance. In anotherembodiment, the sort order suggests a certain play strategy. In yetanother embodiment, the sort order achieves or attempts to achieve aplurality of such goals.

In one embodiment, the Game Server 506 is informed of one or more of thefollowing environmental attributes of the DPC's 10: physical location,physical orientation, direction pointing, current motion, how the playeror dealer is holding the entire hand or how the DPCs 10 are laid out andthe order of the DPCs 10 from the holder's perspective, and/or any othersuch data relative to other DPCs 10 or assigned players/dealer. The GameServer 506 is provided this information from one or more DPC Managers504, one or more DPCs 10, or any combination thereof. With this physicalenvironmental information and a partial game context, the Game Server506 determines the optimal sort order of the DPCs 10 in a hand. The GameServer 506 assigns the physical DPCs 10 their new face values to affectthis visual sorting and communicates the new assignments to the DPCs 10or lead DPC 10. The lead DPC 10 communicates the new face values to theother DPCs 10 for a visual sort. In yet another embodiment, each DPC 10is environmentally aware and achieves a visual sort by communicatingwith the DPC 10 on either side of it. A collective sort is achievedthrough a local sorting algorithm. One non-limiting example is bubblesort, where adjacent values exchange places if the sort order demands itand the collective affect is a completely sorted list. FIG. 9 depicts a5 card stud poker hand of DPCs 10 pre-sorting at 900 and post-sorting at902. In this example the following DPCs 10 are the same physical DPCs10: 904 a-904 e. DPCs 10 at 900 depict the hand 904 a-e as dealt and areassigned these respective values, from left to right: Queen, Five,Queen, Ten, and Queen. In one embodiment, the optimal sort is to groupthe Queens together as a three-of-a-kind. After the sorting algorithm isapplied either by the Game Server 506, the lead DPC 10, or individuallyby each DPC 10 with its adjacent DPCs 10, the final result is that thephysical DPCs 10 904 a-e have not physically moved, but rather theirface values have been rearranged and are assigned the respective values,from left to right: Queen, Queen, Queen, Ten, and Five.

In an alternative embodiment, the Game Server 506 downloads the UI (userinterface) logic, game response logic, game rules, business logic orrules, user preferences involved in the aforementioned embodiments andexamples, but not limited to those embodiments and examples, to the DPC10 so that the DPC 10, nearby DPCs 10, the DPC Manager 504, the GameServer 506, or some combination thereof controls or guides what/when/howthe DPC 10 displays content and communicates. In another embodiment, theGame Server 506 downloads the data to the DPC Manager 504. In oneembodiment, the Game Server 506 still coordinates timing and initiateswhen and what the DPC 10 should display or do. In an alternativeembodiment, the DPC 19 or DPC Manager 504 controls all of that.

In another embodiment, the DPC 10 is able to detect touches and theplayer communicates play actions through touching the DPC 10. In onenon-limiting example, the DPC 10 displays a graphical object, such as arepresentation of a button, and detects with the player or dealertouches the graphic or surrounding area to initiate the action. In thisway, the DPC 10 is able to provide the player or dealer opportunities toinitiate certain actions or indicate decisions or preferences. In onenon-limiting example, a DPC 10 that is part of a poker hand may displaya game-related message that prompts the player to Hold or Discard thecard. The user is able to touch the desired action. In one embodiment,the DPC 10 communicates the user input to the Game Server 506 directlyor indirectly through the DPC Manager 504 or a lead DPC 10. The GameServer 506 then initiates a response to the user input. In the currentexample, the Game Server 506 will assign the DPC 10 a new face value andinstruct the DPC 10 to set and change its display. In anotherembodiment, the lead DPC 10 may respond to the user input. In yetanother embodiment, the DPC 10 responds to the user input. In thisexample, the DPC 10 assigns itself a new face value or requests a newface value from the Game Server 506, lead DPC 10, or DPC Manager 504. Inan alternative embodiment, a plurality of methods is employed to respondto user inputs.

In another embodiment, there is a separate device, such as a key pad,touch screen connected to a separate CPU, a wireless input devicecommunicating to the DPC 10, lead DPC 10, one or more DPC Managers 504.In one embodiment, the player has a 5 button key pad embedded into thetable in front of him allowing him to indicate to hold or discard anassociated DPC 10. The DPCs 10 are placed next to the associated keys.In one embodiment, the DPC 10 is environmentally aware and is associatedto the closest button. In another embodiment, the association isdetermined by the order the DPCs 10 are assigned to the player and/ordealer. In one embodiment, the DPC 10 visually indicates where it shouldbe laid based on this order. One skilled in the arts will recognize thatthis invention allows for the association or binding of a DPC 10 to anyexternal device, such as but not limited to other input devices, display(e.g. OLED, LCD, eInk), card readers, communication devices, audiospeaker, personal Bluetooth or other wireless devices. In an alternativeembodiment, a plurality of input methods is employed for a player ordealer to inform the DPC 10, Game Server 506, and/or DPC Manager 504 ofpreferences and decisions.

In another embodiment, the Game Server 506 is a completely automateddisplay tables (similar to the automated Poker product provided byPokerTek located in Matthews, N.C., USA). The DPC 10 coordinates itsdisplay with the virtual cards presented on the automated table. In onenon-limiting example, the automated display table is a 5 Card Stud Pokergame, and incorporating DPCs 10. In this example, the players keep theirphysical DPCs 10 lying on the table. When the hand is over and the cardsare to be collected from the players, the player keeps his physical DPCs10 but the DPCs 10 are now blank or show a pending graphic until thenext deal. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pending graphic matchesthe table graphic where the DPC 10 is located, so that the DPC 10 blendsin with the underlying table graphic. As the automated table deals theplayer a new card, the table displays the graphic of a card being dealtacross the table towards the physical DPC 10. The Game Server 506 timesthe command to the DPC 10 to display the appropriate animation so thatwhen the table graphic seems to slide onto the physical DPC's 10 frontdisplay 12. In another non-limiting embodiment, the DPC 10 simply showsits graphic, rather than attempting to mimic the underlying graphicsliding into position on the card.

In alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 does not represent a traditionalplaying card, such as a 52 card deck of cards, but rather one or more ofthe following: a keno card, a bingo card, a sports-betting ticket, or aplurality of any of these.

In an alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to some of all ofthe Game Servers 506 through one or more DPC Managers 504. In yetanother alternative environment, no Game Server 506 exists and the aboveembodiments are achieved through collaboration between and among two ormore DPC's 10.

Communication with Player Database, DPC Player Tracking andPersonalization

Referring back to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates toa Player Tracking Server 508. The DPC 10 communicates player or dealerchoices, including time elapses to make the choices to the PlayerTracking Server 508 and related database for storage, later retrieval,reporting, and analysis. There may be multiple players in a game andhence the DPC 10 and/or DPC Manager 504 are aware of individual playersand a session is established with the DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, GameServer 506, Player Tracking Server 508, or related systems, or anycombination thereof. In any case, the player may or may not have one ormore associated records in the Player Tracking Server 508.

Where the DPC 10 and/or DPC Manager 504 are not aware of the player'sidentity, they may establish an anonymous session. In one embodiment,player awareness is achieved through the use of one or more playerexistence recognition devices. Examples of such devices include, but arenot limited to, a camera recognition system recognizing an unidentifiedplayer occupying a playing location, a device detecting someone sittingin a seat, a device to capture manual input from a dealer or relatedemployee, or any combination thereof. The device communicates theunidentified player existence to the DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, GameServer 506, and/or other system which creates a session.

In another embodiment, the DPC 10 and/or DPC Manager 504 are aware ofthe player's identity and establish a session for the identified player.In an alternative embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 is aware of theplayer's identity and creates a session for the identified player, butthe DPC 10 is not and creates an anonymous session. In an alternativeembodiment, the DPC 10 is aware of the player identity and creates asession for the identified player, but the DPC Manager 504 is not andcreates an anonymous session. In one embodiment, the player isidentified through the use of one or more of, but not limited to, thefollowing devices or systems: a player club card (aka loyalty card,identification card) with magnetic strip and mag card reader, playerclub card with bar code and a bar code reader, player club card orplayer-owned device with embedded RFID tag and an RFID reader, playerclub card or player-owned device with wireless capabilities and wirelessaccess points, optical reader that can identify and read a player clubcard, player club card with biometric detection system and biometricrecognition system, external biometric recognition system, player clubcard with other wireless communication. The device communicates theplayer identification either directly or indirectly to the DPC 10, DPCManager 504, Game Server 506, and/or other system which creates asession.

The player club card may be a specialized DPC 10 with all the displayand communication capabilities. In non-limiting embodiment, the DPC 10player club card and is environmentally aware, similar to other DPC's10, knowing its location. In another embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 isaware of the DPC 10 player club card's location and identity The DPCManager 504 determines the player associated with the DPC 10 player clubcard and initiates a session for the identified player. In another theembodiment, the DPC Manager 504 communicates the DPC 10 player club cardidentifier to the Player Tracking Server 508 and/or other system to lookup the player associated with the DPC 10 player club card. In yetanother embodiment, the DPC Manager 504 communicates the DPC 10 playerclub card and/or player identification to the Game Server 506, and/orother system which creates a session for the identified player.Conversely, similar methods and embodiments are used to determine when aplayer has discontinued playing and the session(s) for the identified oranonymous player is closed.

When the player session is created, one or more DPCs 10 are assigned tothe player. In another embodiment, one or more DPCs 10 are assigned asthe dealer deals the physical DPCs 10 to the player. In one embodiment,the DPCs 10 assigned to a player are tracked in the Player TrackingServer 508.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, Game Server 506, or anyother system that maintains a player session, retrieves the player'spreferences and settings from the Player Tracking Server 508. In oneembodiment, only a subset of preferences or options is retrieved.Examples by which such subsets can be defined include, but not limitedto, device or system, game, location, player tier, or any combinationthereof. Changes in preferences or options are stored back on the PlayerTracking Server 508. In another embodiment, preferences or options areassociated to groups or players, rather than specific players. In yetanother embodiment some preferences or options are associated to groupsof players and others are associated to specific players. In onenon-limiting example of a player preference, the player can selectsorting options which are saved as part of the player's profile in theplayer tracking database. In another non-limiting example, the sortingoptions are selected and stored by type of game, such as, but notlimited to, 5 Card Draw Poker, Texas Hold 'Em, Black Jack, etc. Inanother non-limiting example, the player has selected the style orgraphics to use for the card back or the card face and its face values.In another embodiment, the Bluetooth parameters and binding informationis maintain in a Player Tracking Server 508 and retrieved when needed sothat the player is not required to re-bind the device.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, Game Server 506, or anyother system that maintains a player session, accumulates tracked dataand transmits the raw data and/or any accumulated or processed data tothe Player Tracking Server 508 when it closes its player session. Inanother embodiment, such systems transmit raw and/or any accumulated orprocessed data to the Player Tracking Server 508 periodically orcontinuously during the session. In yet another embodiment, such systemssend some data continuously, some data periodically, and some data afterthe session closes, or any combination thereof, to the Player TrackingServer 508. Non-limiting examples of tracked data are include: assignedDPC's 10, dealt face value(s), dealer and/or other competitive facevalues, player and or competitive decisions, games participated in,wagers made and surrounding game context, environmental data, playerpreferences and selections, and any other play behaviors such as timebetween decisions, etc.

In one embodiment, the Player Tracking Database 508 assesses skill Theskill assessor combines data from a plurality of DPC's 10, Game Servers504, DPC Managers 506, Player Tracking Server 508, or any combinationthereof, to determine the skill level of the player/dealer. This datacan be used in player or dealer fraud detection, player reinvestment,suggestions back to the player, matching players for head to headcompetitive play, team play in the same, similar, or completelydifferent style games, rank players, or alter the game experience insome other fashion, including but non-limited to, changing gameoutcomes.

A bonus may simply be an award, a separate game or additional round in agame which then may or may not provide an award which may or may not bedependent on the outcome, or a combination thereof. Non-limitingexamples of awards include cashable awards, such as cash or credit,coupons, discounts, services, amenities, prizes, intangibles such asloyalty tier advancement, and any combination thereof. A bonus award maybe based on, calculated from, funded by, or otherwise driven by gameactivity and/or the player's wagering activity. Alternatively, a bonusmay not funded by the player's wagering on game activity, but ratherthrough a separate funding source, such as a marketing budget.

Communication with Bonus Server and DPC Bonusing

It would be advantageous to employ a bonus on a DPC 10, providingsuperior player experience over physical cards. In one embodiment, theDPC 10 communicates to a Bonus Server 510. In one non-limiting examplethe Bonus Server 510 bases and/or funds bonuses on game or wageringactivity. In another non-limiting example, the Bonus Server 510 basesand/or and funds bonuses on non-gaming activity or non-gaming funds,such as a marketing budget. In another embodiment, the Bonus Server 510bases and/or funds bonuses on both game and non-game activity or fundingsources. In another embodiment the Bonus Server 510 can be considered aGame Server 506. In an alternative embodiment, the Bonus Server 510 is amarketing application.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of one non-limiting embodiment of determining andcommencing a bonus, whether it is a gaming or non-gaming bonus. A bonusis commenced, in the case of a separate game or additional round in theexisting game, or distributed, in the case of the bonus simply being andaward, after encountering a bonusing event. In one embodiment, the BonusServer 510 monitors for a predetermined bonus event at 1000 andrecognizes at 1002 the bonus event and determines the bonus to commenceor award at 1004. In another embodiment, the Game Server 506, DPCManager 504, or other system, or any combination thereof, possibly incollaboration with the Bonus Server 510 monitor for at bonus event at1000 and recognize the bonus event at 1002 and one or morecollaboratively or independently determine the bonus to commence oraward at 1004. In another embodiment, the individual DPC's 10communicate face values, game state, and/or game activity directly tothe Bonus Server 510 or Game Server 506, or to the lead DPC 10, which inturn communicates individual or accumulated face values, game state,and/or game activity to the Bonus Server 510, DPC Manager 504, GameServer 506, or other system, or any combination thereof, whichindividually or jointly monitor for an event at 1000 and recognize at1002 the event.

In one embodiment, the rules defining the bonus events, awards, andother bonus definition data are provided by Bonus Server 510, DPCManager 504, Game Server 506, or other system, or any combinationthereof, to one or more DPCs 10. In one non-limiting example, one ormore DPCs 10 communicate the face values, game state, and/or gameactivity between themselves and monitor at 1000 and recognize at 1002the bonus event collectively, or independently. In another embodiment,the lead DPCs 10 receives face values, game state, and/or game activityfrom one or more DPCs 10 to monitor at 1000 and recognize at 1002 thebonus event. In one embodiment, the Bonus Server 510, DPC Manager 504,Game Server 506, or other system, or any combination thereof, determinethe bonus to commence or award at 1008.

In another embodiment, one or more communicate the bonus event to one ormore DPCs 10 and either the DPCs 10 collectively or the lead DPC 10determines the bonus to award or commence. In one embodiment, thebonusing event is triggered by a game event. One non-limiting example ofa game event is a predefined sequence of face values being assigned ordealt to the player (i.e. in the player's or dealer's hand). In anothernon-limiting example, the bonusing event is triggered by a predefinedsequence of face values being assigned or dealt to a group of playersand/or the dealer. Referring back to FIG. 8, in example F the player isdealt at 818 three 7's and triggers a Triple & Bonus. One or more of theDPCs 10, lead DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, Game Server 506 and Bonus Server510 recognize the bonus event and controls the DPC 10 front faces 12 inthe bonus holding to display bonus messages “Triple 7 Bonus” 820 a,“Pick a 7 to Reveal Your Prize” 820 b and one or more buttons 822 which,when touched by the player, cause one or more of the DPCs 10 of theholding 818 to display prize information to the player. In alternativeembodiment, the bonus event is triggered by a predefined collection offace values assigned to one or more players/dealer, independent of orderassigned or dealt. Other non-limiting examples of game events includeplayer decisions, wager amounts, dealer actions, and game results suchas going bust (over 21 in Blackjack, winning, etc). One skilled in theart knows that there are many such game events. This invention allowsfor all such game events triggering a bonus on one or more DPCs 10 wherethe game events occur on the Game Server 506, on a single DPC 10,collectively over several DPCs 10 within a certain time allotment, orsome other separate system contributing to the game, or some combinationthereof. In another embodiment, a bonusing event is triggered by anevent on a non-game system, a system event. Non-limiting examples ofother such systems include Player Tracking Server 508, Bonus Server 510(including perhaps a Lottery Server) (FIG. 5), manual or automateddrawings, etc.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 displays additional symbols beside thosedefined by its face value. Such symbols may be defined by the BonusServer 510, Game Server 506, or through preferences or group definitionsin the Player Tracking Server 508. Predefined sequences or combinationsof symbols trigger a bonusing event. In one embodiment, the DPC 10 is abingo card and the symbol is a star specific in a certain location asdetermined by the Bonus Server 510 while the value of that location isdetermined by the bingo Game Server 506. If the player hits a bingo andthe winning pattern includes the location with the symbol, then a bonusevent is triggered. If the last ball called is the location with thesymbol, then a different bonus event is triggered.

In one embodiment, a bonusing event is triggered randomly on the BonusServer 510. In another embodiment, the bonusing event is triggeredrandomly on one or more DPC 10 through its 212. In another embodiment,the bonus event is triggered randomly through a collectively randomprocess on one or more DPCs 10 through each DPCs 10 RNG 212. In yetanother embodiment, the bonusing event is triggered randomly by someother system. In an alternative embodiment, a bonusing event istriggered randomly through a plurality of the aforementioned methods. Inanother embodiment, a bonusing event is triggered by a plurality of gameevents, random events, and/or events generated on another system.

Once a bonus event has been triggered, the player or players receivingor participating in the bonus are selected at 1006 (FIG. 10). In oneembodiment, a bonusing event occurs on one or more DPCs 10 associated toa single player (i.e. the player's hand), and that player is bonused. Inanother embodiment, a single player is selected through some otherprocess or attribute. There is substantial prior art on player selectionto receive or participation in a bonus and is hereby incorporated byreference.

In another embodiment, more than one player is selected to receive orparticipate in the bonus. In one embodiment, a group of players selectedto receive or participate in the bonus that have one or more attributescommon to or derived from an initially selected player. Non-limitingexamples such a common attribute include being associated with a certainlocation, such as a table or gaming area, player loyalty group such astier level, race, age, address or any other type of demographicattribute, theoretical or actual value, some element of play historysuch as skill level, hands played, and decision time, being associatedto a dealer or group of dealers. In another embodiment, a group ofplayers are selected independently from each other to receive orparticipate in the bonus. In yet another embodiment, a group of playersare selected independently from each other to receive or participate inthe bonus and subsequent groups of players are selected that have one ormore attributes common to or derived from an initially selected players.This invention allows for awarding a bonus based on a plurality of suchattributes. In an alternative embodiment, the player or players beingbonuses are selected through a random process.

In one embodiment, the Bonus Server 510 selects the player or players at1006 to participate in or receive the bonus. In another embodiment, oneor more DPCs 10 associated with a player determine at 1006, eithercollectively or independently, whether that player participates in orreceives a bonus. In an alternative embodiment, a lead DPC 10 receivesrelevant information from the other DPCs 10 and makes the determinationat 1006. In yet another embodiment, another system, such as the PlayerTracking Server 508, defines at 1006 which player or players participatein or receive the bonus. In one non-limiting example, all carded orotherwise identified players receive a bonus award, including thoseplaying at tables using with DPCs 10, those playing at tables using onlytraditional playing cards, those playing on completely automated displaytables (e.g. similar to the automated Poker product provided byPokerTek), those carded into slot machines on the floor, those playingin completely separate locations, and/or any combination thereof. In analternative embodiment, a plurality of the aforementioned methods isemployed to collaboratively make the determination at 1006.

In one embodiment, the bonus is the same for all players selected toreceive or participate in the bonus. In another embodiment, the bonus isdifferent based on either a random variable (location) or some otherbonus defining attribute. Non-limiting examples of possible attributesinclude: game events (see examples provided above), game state (such asspecific face values in player's hand), and player attributes (seeexamples provide above).

After a bonus event is recognized at 1002, the bonus determined at 1004(either a bonus game or award, possibly on a per-player orper-group-of-players basis), the receivers or participants selected at1006, then the bonus is initiated, executed, run, awarded, or otherwisecommenced at 1008. In one embodiment, the bonus is an award or game thatis not played or communicated on the DPC 10, in which case it iscommenced at 1008 by the Bonus Server 510, Game Server 506, PlayerTracking Server 508, or some other system.

In one embodiment, the bonus is initiated by the Bonus Server 510, GameServer 506, Player Tracking Server 508, or some other system andcommunicated to one or more DPCs 10. In another embodiment, the bonus iscommunicated to the lead DPC 10 only which communicates the bonus to theother DPCs 10. In one embodiment, one or more of the DPCs 10 display acelebratory message that the bonus was award or that the player isparticipating in the bonus, but the actual bonus is not executed, run,awarded or otherwise interacted with by the player on any DPC 10.

In one embodiment, the bonus is an additional game or next round of anexisting game that requires interaction by the player through one ormore DPCs 10. In a non-limiting example, the player may have to indicateselections or perform actions by touch or moving the DPC 10.Non-limiting examples of touching are touching to selecting a prize, ortouching to uncover a hidden award. One non-limiting example of a bonuswhich would require moving the DPC 10 is a virtual game of trying tonavigate of ball through a maze by physically moving the maze to controlthe direction of the ball through gravity. In this bonus round, the DPC10 uses one or more of its internal miniaturized gyroscope, oraccelerometer, or possibly tiny cameras to determine its orientation andsimulate the affect of such movement on a graphical representation of aball in a virtual maze.

Referring to, the second example shows two DPCs 600, 602 displaying acelebratory message 606 spanning both cards. In another embodiment, oneor more of the DPCs 10 execute, run, or otherwise commence the bonus ontheir displays, but other DPCs 10 either simply provide an informationalor celebratory message or display nothing at all related to the bonus.Referring to FIG. 8, example F depicts a player hand 818 consisting ofthree 7's which has initiated a Triple 7 Bonus. In this non-limitingexample, the Bonus Server 510 has instructed two of the DPCs 10 todisplay celebratory graphic 820 a while on the Bonus Server 510 hasinstructed the third DPC to run a bonus game where the player selectsbuttons or icons 822 to reveal is additional award.

Communication with other Back End Servers and Services

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to a Web Server 512. The mainprocessor 200 executes a browser client and executes the web pages andapplets coming from the Web Server 512. In another embodiment, the DPC10 communicates to a plurality of Web Servers 512. In one embodiment, aweb page is served up and links to multiple web sites (e.g. mash up). Inone preferred embodiment, the Web Servers 512 are behind a firewall andare on a private virtual network. In another embodiment, the Web Servers512 are publicly accessible web sites on the Internet. In an alternativeembodiment, the some Web Servers 512 are secured behind a firewall whileothers are not. Non-limiting examples of web protocols implemented onthe DPC 10 include, but are not limited to: the following protocols orcombination of protocols: tcp, upd, http, ftp, rtp, rtsp, rtcp, webservice and remote procedure protocols, any flavor of XML-basedprotocols, and any of the secured versions or other variants of the saidprotocols. In an alternative embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to someof all of the Web Servers 512 through one or more DPC Managers 504.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 is an ultrathin client for the Web Server512 as content is directly streamed to the DPC 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the DPC 10 is a thin client, in that is receives displaycommands and data, and contains some user interface logic, but allbusiness, game, and other application control and decision logic resideson the Web Server 512 and is communicated to the DPC 10. In yet anotherembodiment, the DPC 10 is a modified web browser, and is capable ofretaining application and/or game logic as well as receiving content andother application commands from the Web Server 512. In an alternativeembodiment, the Web Server 512 is simply an Application Server in thatit does not use traditional web protocols or technologies, but ratheruses traditional communication protocols and technologies.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to a Media Content ManagementServer 514. The Content Management Server 514 manages and coordinatesmarketing content displayed on a DPC 10 as it does with contentdisplayed on other digital signage devices. In another embodiment, theDPC 10 communicates to an Advertizing Server 516. In one embodiment, thecontent is delivered in files which are downloaded to the DPC. In analternative embodiment, the content is delivered through live streaming.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10, DPC Manager 504, Player Tracking Server508 or other system communicates the associated player of a DPC 10 tothe Media Content Server 514 and/or Advertizing Server 516 which thenselected a marketing message or advertisement tailored to the player andprovided to the DPC 10 to display on either its back display 14 and/orits front display 12. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates oneor more nearby players to the Media Content Server 514 and/orAdvertizing Server 516 which select(s) a marketing message oradvertisement tailored to or specifically selected for one or more ofthe nearby players to be displayed on the DPC 10 in hopes that thenearby player will see it.

In one embodiment, when the DPC 10 displays the marketing or advertizingcontent, it confirms the play with the Media Content Server 514 and/orAdvertizing Server 516 so that they can maintain proof of play logs.

In another embodiment, the Media Content Server 514 synchronizes orotherwise coordinates content being displayed on a plurality of visualdisplays, including but not limited to one or more DPCs 10. In anotherembodiment, the Media Content Server 514 synchronizes or otherwisecoordinates content displayed on a plurality of visual displays withother media, such as audio devices. In one non-limiting example, theMedia Content Server 514 plays a video on one or more DPCs 10 on acasino floor and the audio attributable with that video is playedthrough surrounding speakers, possibly overhead or near to a player,such as in the table in front of him, or in his seat.

In another embodiment, the marketing or advertizing content is selectedbased on the face value of the DPC 10. Referring back to FIG. 8, ExampleE depicts one non-limiting example where a certain face value is beingsponsored. The DPC 824 has a face value of the Ace of Diamonds. The DPC10 is displaying an ad 826 for Jared's Diamonds. Other non-limitingexamples of marketing content include local amenities, services, andgames. One skilled in the arts will understand the capabilities of aMedia Content Server 514 and Advertizing Server 516.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 is capable of collecting biometricinformation on the person's touch on the DPC 10 and communicates thatdata to a Biometric Server 518. In one embodiment, the touch screen 16 aand/or 16 b are touch scanners capable of detecting or reading afingerprint. In another embodiment, the DPC 10 has one or moreminiaturized cameras capable of scanning the holders face. In bothembodiments, the biometric data is communicated to the Biometric Server518 for either identification or authentication. In one embodiment, theplayer identification or authentication confirmation is communicated tothe DPC 10 directly. In another, the player information is communicatedto another system, such as the DPC Manager 504, Game Server 506, orPlayer Tracking Server 508. In another embodiment, a player session iscreated through one of the aforementioned methods. In anotherembodiment, a player other than the player associated to the DPC 10 isidentified as holding the DPC 10 and appropriate measures are taken. Inone non-limiting example, the DPC 10 is disabled through one of theaforementioned methods.

In one embodiment, the DPC 10 communicates to a TableManagement/Accounting Server 520. In one embodiment, the TableManagement/Accounting Server 520 maintains the location assignment ofthe DPC 10, the player assignment of the DPC 10, the current face valueand face value history of the DPC 10, deck assignments, play history,and/or wagers and wager history.

In another embodiment, the DPC Manager 504, the Game Server, 506, thePlayer Tracking Server 508, the Bonus Server 510, the Web Server 512,the Media Content Server 514, the Biometric Server 518, the TableManagement/Accounting Server 520, and/or the Ad Server 516 provide rawor aggregated data to a reporting and analytics engine (not shown), suchas a Business Intelligence system. The data transfer may be live datafeed or batched timed feeds.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specificnomenclature and formula to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. It should be apparent to those of skill in the art that thespecific details are not required in order to practice the invention.The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical application, therebyenabling others of skill in the art to utilize the invention, andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Thus, the foregoing disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, and those of skill in the art recognize that manymodifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A card to display content comprising: a first flexible electronic display device defining front and back displays; a processor unit to control at least one of said displays to display variable content; and a power source to power said display.
 2. The card of claim 1 comprising said processor unit includes a memory device, a video controller to control the content at said display and a wireless receiver.
 3. The card of claim 1 including one or more of an orientation detector, motion detector or location detector.
 4. The card of claim 1 comprising a playing and said processor is configured to display at said display content representing a suit and value of a playing card.
 5. The card of claim 1 comprising said card is a trading card and said processor is configured to control the display to display content corresponding to a trading card.
 6. The card of claim 1 comprising said first electronic display is configured to display content at a card front side and a second, flexible electronic display mated to said first electronic display to display content at a card back side.
 7. The card of claim 6 comprising said processor unit is sandwiched between said first and second electronic displays.
 8. The card of claim 6 comprising said card is a playing card and said first electronic display is configured to display content at said front side representing a card value and suit and said second display is configured to display content at said back side unrelated to either the suit or value of the first display.
 9. The card of claim 8 comprising means for randomly assigning said suit and value to said first display.
 10. The card of claim 9 comprising a random number generator to select said suit and value.
 11. The card of claim 8 comprising means external to the card to communicate with said processor to cooperate with the processor to select and display a card suit and value at said front side.
 12. The card of claim 11 comprising a wireless receiver to receive signals to influence said processor to select and display said value and suit.
 13. The card of claim 11 comprising a data communication interface on said card to communicate data to said processor to influence said processor to select and display said value and suit.
 14. A set of cards where each displays different content to distinguish one card from another comprising: each card includes a first flexible electronic display device defining front and back displays, a processor unit to control at least one of said displays to display variable content and a power source to power said display; and external apparatus in communication with said processor for controlling said displays to display different content for each card
 15. The set of cards of claim 14 comprising said set represents at least a subset of playing cards where said processors are configured to display at each card a different suit and value.
 16. The set of cards of claim 14 comprising each card includes a wireless receiver in communication with the processor unit, said external apparatus is a wireless transmitter.
 17. The set of cards of claim 14 comprising each card includes said first electronic display configured to display content at a card front side and a second, flexible electronic display mated to said first electronic display to display content at a card back side.
 18. A system including a set of cards for playing a game hands comprising: each card includes a first flexible electronic display device defining front and back displays, a processor unit to control at least one of said displays to display indicia used in the play of the game to define outcomes and a power source to power said display, apparatus external to the cards to interface with said processor units to influence the indicia to be displayed on at least the cards in play of the game for the hands of play; a host computer configured to read the cards in play to generate a historical record. 